Public invited to learning opportunity about rat lungworm on December 4

Some of the islands of Hawai‘i, and a few other places around the world, are hosts to a parasitic nematode (roundworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis) that lives in the lungs of rats. This nematode can be passed to intermediate hosts--slugs and snails--and then to humans if the slugs and snails are consumed on uncooked produce. The impact from ingestion of the nematode ranges greatly, from no effect to very severe symptoms, including coma or even death, in rare cases.

The public is invited to attend a free presentation on rat lungworm to learn a bit more about the biology and behaviors of this nearly invisible parasitic nematode and how you can manage it better in gardens, on farms, and when consuming uncooked produce at home. The medical issues of diagnosis and treatment will also be covered.

Where: Ala Moana Hotel, Plumeria Room - 410 Atkinson Drive

When: Tuesday, December 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Speakers include:

Dr. Rob Cowie – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Pacific Biosciences Research Center

No RSVP is necessary. No dinner/snacks and no childcare will be provided.

For questions about rat lungworm, contact the Department of Health (Oʻahu) at (808) 586-4400. For questions about the meeting location specifically, contact Vanessa Troegner, Project Coordinator at CTAHR, at (808) 956-8140.